Lab 2

ECE220A Electronic Circuits:Devices and Analysis
LABORATORY EXERCISE
LAB 2: Volt-Ampere Characteristics of Zener Diode and Zener Voltage regulator

characteristics.
Objective:
1. To plot Volt-Ampere Characteristics of Zener Diode in reverse bias.

2. To find Zener Breakdown Voltage in reverse biased condition.
3. To find load regulation characteristics of Zener voltage regulator
Apparatus:
S.No Apparatus Type Range Quantity
01 Zener diode IMZ 5.1V 01
02 Resistance 470Ω 01
03 Regulated Power supply (0-30V) 01
04 Ammeter (0-100mA) 02
05 Voltmeter (0-10V) 01
06 Decade Resistance Box (0-10K) 01
07 Breadboard and Wires
Introduction:
An ideal P-N Junction diode does not conduct in reverse biased condition. A zener diode conducts
excellently even in reverse biased condition. These diodes operate at a precise value of voltage called
break down voltage. A zener diode when forward biased behaves like an ordinary P-N junction diode.
A zener diode when reverse biased can either undergo avalanche break down or zener break down.
Avalanche break down:-If both p-side and n-side of the diode are lightly doped, depletion region at the
junction widens. Application of a very large electric field at the junction may rupture covalent bonding
between electrons. Such rupture leads to the generation of a large number of charge carriers resulting in
avalanche multiplication.
Zener break down:-If both p-side and n-side of the diode are heavily doped, depletion region at the
junction reduces. Application of even a small voltage at the junction ruptures covalent bonding and
generates large number of charge carriers. Such sudden increase in the number of charge carriers results
in zener mechanism.
Circuit Diagram
Reverse Biased
(0-100mA)
470Ω + -
A
K
(0-30)Vs +
IMZ5.1 VR (0-10V)
A -
Zener diode as shunt Voltage Regulator A

(0-100mA)
470Ω + -
K +
+ VL (0-10)V
IMZ5.1
VSZ RL -
A
-
Precautions:
1. While doing the experiment do not exceed the ratings of the diode. This may lead to damage
of the diode.
2. Connect voltmeter and Ammeter in correct polarities as shown in the circuit diagram.
3. Do not switch ON the power supply unless you have checked the circuit connections as per
the circuit diagram.
Experiment:
To plot V-I characteristics of Zener diode in reverse bias condition and to find Zener breakdown
voltage
1.Connect the Zener diode in Reverse bias i.e; anode is connected to negative of the power supply and
cathode is connected to positive of the power supply as in circuit.
2. Vary the input voltage in steps of 1V and note down reverse voltage(VR ) and the corresponding values
of reverse current ( IR ).
3. Plot the graph between reverse voltage (VR) and the reverse current ( IR ).
To plot the load regulation characteristics of the Zener voltage regulator.
1. Connect the Zener diode in Reverse bias i.e; anode is connected to negative of the power supply and
cathode is connected to positive of the power supply as in circuit.
2. In finding load regulation , input voltage (Vsz) is kept constant i.e source voltage is chosen as a voltage
at which Zener voltage VZ is remaining constant while the current is increasing(Vsz from 1st circuit
characteristics)
3. Measure VNL (No load voltage) by opening the load resistance.
4. Connect the load resistance, and vary the load resistance from 1100Ω to 100Ω in steps of 100Ω and
note down the readings of VL and IZ
5. Calculate % Regulation by using the formula given below.
V V
% Re gulation  NL L X100
VL
Tabular column
1. To plot V-I characteristics
S.No Vs(V) VR(V) IR(mA)
2. To find load regulation characteristics

VNL=
S.No RL IZ(mA) VL(V) % Regulation

1100
To
100
(in steps of
100)
Precautions:
Keeping the input voltage constant if the load resistance is increased zener current increases so as to
make the load voltage to remain constant.
Model Graph:
Calculations from Graph

To find Zener breakdown voltage
1. In the reverse characteristics of Zener diode observe the voltage at which the reverse current is
abnormally increasing while the reverse voltage remain constant.
2. That particular reverse voltage is called the breakdown voltage of the Zener diode
Result
1. The V-I characteristics of Zener diode were plotted and the Zener breakdown voltage was determined
and is given as-------------------- V
2. Load regulation characteristics were plotted.
VIVA QUESTIONS:
1. Difference between Zener and Avalanche breakdown.
2. What is the difference between zener and ordinary diode?
3. Draw equivalent circuit for Zener diode.
4. What is Breakdown voltage?
5. What are the applications of zener diode?
6. How does zener diode act as a regulator?

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ECE220A Electronic Circuits:Devices and Analysis

LAB 2: Volt-Ampere Characteristics of Zener Diode and Zener Voltage regulator

1. To plot Volt-Ampere Characteristics of Zener Diode in reverse bias.

S.No Apparatus Type Range Quantity

01 Zener diode IMZ 5.1V 01

03 Regulated Power supply (0-30V) 01

06 Decade Resistance Box (0-10K) 01

07 Breadboard and Wires

Zener diode as shunt Voltage Regulator A

To plot the load regulation characteristics of the Zener voltage regulator.

S.No Vs(V) VR(V) IR(mA)

2. To find load regulation characteristics

S.No RL IZ(mA) VL(V) % Regulation

Calculations from Graph

and is given as-------------------- V

2. Load regulation characteristics were plotted.

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